Well known for its flora and fauna, the Barnawapara sanctuary, situated around 100 km from Raipur, has got a major facelift by eliminating lantana and eupatorium weeds in 5,920 hectares.
Chhattisgarh's Principle Chief Conservator of Forest (Wildlife), P V Narsimha Rao, said the ‘Wildlife Habitat Enhancement’ work executed in the sanctuary had fast improved the dampness in soil and prepared the ground for grazing by herbivorous animals.
The work has been done under funds released under Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority.
The animals can now be seen grazing in the forest. Officials said their health has also considerably improved.
Spread over 244.86 sq km, the mixed forest has vegetation of Sal and Teak trees.
Teak trees here are self-grown while Sal saplings were planted in recent times.
Weeds of lantana and eupatorium were the major hurdle in the growth of grass and free movement of herbivorous animals. Now the problem has been sorted out.
Leopard, wild buffalo, beer, sambar deer, spotted deer, four-horned antelope, hyena, fox, wolf and mouse deer are some of the wildlife often seen by tourists here.